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Operating the Q2U
response, however when you start pointing the microphone slightly away (off axis) you
will notice the high frequency response dropping off and the microphone will start to
sound like it has more bass and less highs.
For most vocal applications you’ll want to position the microphone directly in front
of the artist about 4 to 18 inches. If you are close miking a vocal, set the microphone
to a slight angle to reduce p-popping. The same may be true for miking instruments,
however, you can make some pretty amazing equalization adjustments by slightly
changing the angle of the capsule to the sound source. This can be a very useful
technique in capturing the optimum sound of drum set, acoustic guitar, piano or other
instruments in a live room or sound stage. Experimentation and experience are the
best teachers in getting good sounds, so plug in!
P-Popping
P-popping is that annoying pop that you can get when the microphone diaphragm
gets a blast of air from a vocalist pronouncing words with the letter “P” included. There
are a few ways to deal with the problem including using an external pop filter. Some
famous engineers have relied on an old nylon stocking over a bent clothes hanger,
which actually works very well. As mentioned above, you can also try placing the
microphone slightly off axis (on a slight angle) from the vocalist. This can often solve
the problem without using an external pop filter. However, the simplest, most reliable
way to reduce P-popping (without the bad smell of old nylons) is to use a pop filter
attached the microphone stand like the Samson PS-01. Using a pop filter also makes it
easy to maintain a good level by keeping the vocalist at a constant distance from the
microphone.
